The Giants promised they would give second baseman Joe Panika long look and have done so. Panik has been in the majors nearly a month and started his 17th game Saturday night, partly because Marco Scutarostill has a sore neck.

Panik's average fell from .232 to .213 with Saturday night's 0-for-5, which included a shot through the box that hit pitcher Henderson Alvarezin the shin and knocked him out of the game.

However, Panik is looking more comfortable at the plate. He had his sixth multi-hit game Friday and nearly had his first three-hit night, robbed of a single by Adeiny Hechavarria as the shortstop reversed course on a hit-and-run, dived and stopped the ball from getting to left field.

Brian Sabean 101 instructs us that no matter how well Panik ultimately hits, the general manager won't hesitate to act if he can find a more experienced second baseman via trade for the stretch drive. Panik acknowledged he would love Sabean to settle on a platoon with him and Scutaro, "but that's up to the front office guys."

"If you're thinking about that, your head is in the wrong place," Panik said. "I've heard some things. I've had friends ask me questions like, 'What's going on?' Stuff is always out there. It's public knowledge. I'm just going to take it day by day and work hard to prepare."

Part of that preparation has been talking with Scutaro, who has worked with the rookie on his footwork at second base and provided other advice.

Briefly:Tim Hudsonearned his 100th career road win. ... Jeremy Affeldtretired lefties Christian Yelich and Jordany Valdespin to end the eighth and assure Giancarlo Stantonwould not hit with a chance to tie the game.

On deck

Sunday

at Marlins

10:10 a.m. CSNBA

Lincecum (9-5) vs. Hand (0-2)

Monday

at Phillies

4:05 p.m. CSNBA

Vogelsong (5-7) vs. Lee (4-4)

Tuesday

at Phillies

4:05 p.m. CSNBA

Cain (2-7) vs. Hernandez (4-8)

Leading off

One-man derby:Hunter Pence was not deemed good enough for the All-Star Home Run Derby, but he put on a show in Miami, bouncing balls off the back wall of the stadium in left field before Saturday's game.